Thursday, February 12, 2015

Kirwin Patmon, Chicago Fashion Photog--While NYC is just getting their Fashion Week underway, we're making note of what's hot in Chicago fashion, too! Ms. Kirwin Patmon is one of Chicago's rising photographers, and a fashionista by trade. We were able to chat with her and find out more about what she's done and where she's headed. She is quite the stylist and has a great eye for wonderful photos. We love her sass and style. You will, too!

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1. How did you get started in Fashion? What sparked your interest?

Well, I've always loved a good sale and had a flare for dramatic statement pieces. When I was younger I wore hand me downs like it was a full-time job. As I got older my style started incorporating the old with the new. People would compliment me on my unique style and how I could pull off anything. Now after college, I am focused on maturing my style but keeping that quirkiness in my wardrobe. Something that has helped me with this is my blog KirKirChanel. I write about life after college, staying fabulous on a broke girl's budget, and staying true to one's self and personal style.

2. Do you apply your interest in fashion in any other arts?

I am a photographer as well as a graphic designer. Photo shoots, choosing props, wandering around for a location, and of course the clothes are all things that make me happy. I love putting together trend reports and inspiration boards. I do a lot of D.I.Y. projects that can be worn such as rubber band jewelry and flower crowns.

3. What do you love about the Chicago fashion industry?

I love the diversity in Chicago. We literally have every type of fashionista and fashionisto. (Is fashionisto a word?) My favorite style is the street fashion. I love the idea of mixing independent brands with corporate brands and even thrifty clothing. The way people dress themselves here is absolutely amazing. There is so much creativity and imagination when it comes to fashion in Chicago.

4. What do you feel the Chicago Fashion industry needs most? What do you plan to do to help achieve those needs?

The Chicago fashion industry needs more meet ups, creative collaborations and networking events that are free. As far as internships for just fashion design and fashion business, I would love to see fashion communications and more graphic arts opportunities. Whenever I meet another creative mind the first thing I think of is some type of awesome collaboration we could do and the brainstorming process begins. In an industry like fashion we must help each other and be genuine in order to be successful.

5. What's next for you?

I am in the process of developing better content for my blog and Instagram. I am setting up fashion shoots, shooting friends, and potential new friends. I am attempting to merge fashion, photography, and design.

6. What is your favorite fashion line?

Betsey Johnson all day long! Betsey Johnson is the type of gal that celebrates femininity and isn't afraid to stand out. She proves that getting older doesn't make you boring, trying new things is fun, and to never let the Negative Nancies get in your way. When I wear Betsey Johnson I feel fierce.

7. What inspires your photography?

A good composition. If my fancy camera isn't in my purse, I am usually found snapping pictures of neat things with my phone camera. Portraits are my favorite but shooting from the hip is a close second.

8. What do you like to shoot the most?

Candids, because they are honest and beautiful.

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Thanks Kirwin! This lady has some exciting stuff coming up. Be sure to keep up with her on the web!

Monday, February 9, 2015

Diane von Furstenberg is such a fashion icon. She's a trailblazer in so many ways. She brought us the wrap dress, has been a major supporter of anti-piracy legislation for fashion on Capitol Hill, and worked with fashion law leader Susan Scafidi in establishing the Fashion Law Institute. Now, she's commanding fair treatment of models as NYFW gets rolling this Wednesday.

Sure, fair treatment of models is nothing new. We've talked about labor issues models face and the work Stand Up For Fashion (STUFF) has done. The push from such a fashion powerhouse just might be, though. For years, major fashion week participants have been scrutinized for their lack of diversity in runway shows and the self-esteem damaging atmosphere for the models they do choose. As longtime President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Ms. von Furstenberg is saying loudly--no more!

Along with CFDA CEO Steven Kolb, Diane has penned a letter, encouraging this upcoming fashion week be just as much about debuting new trends and styles as it is debuting new attitudes. She continues to remind us, beauty and fashion start on the inside.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Fashion Law and the Local Economy--Fashion law is in fact taking over the globe. But, its impact is local in nature, too. Despite there being an ongoing battle for protection of fashion designs at the national level in the U.S., many large cities, are doing their part to protect brands as well as their local economies.

While fashion trends change almost faster than the seasons, brands are made to last forever. Creators set out to achieve longevity. In recent years, there have been a number of efforts to curb harm to brands. Whether it be through the sale of fakes, thereby infringing on trademarks, or even penalizing the consumers of fakes, local governments are taking no prisoners in preserving the integrity of fashion.What's been happening?!

Both coasts are equipped with amazing fashion law programs to help train upcoming lawyers in this billion-dollar industry. The Fashion Law Institute at Fordham and the Fashion Law Project at Loyola dig deeply into fashion law issues. Being in the garment districts of the nation's 2 largest cities doesn't hurt either.

In 2011, the New York City Bar Association established a fashion law committee. Many bar associations across the country have held symposiums on the topic since then.

In 2013, NY Councilwoman Margaret Chin introduced an ordinance to penalize counterfeit purchasers. It's not far-fetched--Italy, France, and England all penalize consumers for purchasing fakes. The NYC measure didn't pass, but it definitely got the attention of counterfeiters and the impact tax avoidance has on the local economy. She introduces a subsequent effort to prohibit the storage or sale of fake goods in any NYC building. She's not giving up on this.

Chicago makes necessary use of its Trademark Violation Ordinance, which revokes the business licenses of retailers possessing and selling counterfeits. O'Hare Airport, recently named the busiest in the U.S. has uncovered millions in fakes at their international gates as well.

North Carolina isn't playing any games either. The Secretary of State's office led police throughout NC on Operation Faux Pas, seizing more than $12million in fakes across the state.

What's set to happen next?Local governments are pressed to keep up the services they've been able to provide. We need smooth streets and snow plowed, right? Losing out on tax revenue is no help. Locales with counterfeit districts, like Canal St. in NYC are watching for dealers who skimp residents of their service money and are issuing penalties left and right. Cities with flea markets are heavily watching the products coming through their borders, too. Many large flea markets have been the scene of busts when local or federal authorities uncover fakes sold by vendors. Surely fashion industry leaders like Susan Scafidi and Diane von Furstenberg will continue working with the CFDA on federal legislation as well. We'll continue watching the counterfeit scene. You should do the same. Fakes are never in fashion.

Monday, January 26, 2015

The Latest in Fashion Law: News & Updates--A lot has been going on in fashion law lately, so we want to make sure you're up to speed. Here's the latest:

Ralph Lauren forced to destroy knockoffsIn October, Converse sued a bunch of designers who infringed on their famous Chuck Taylor shoe. Now, as part of their settlement, RL has decided to destroy their 36 infringing styles, along with all molds and materials used to make them. Trademark protection is everything. Even big brands get caught up in it.Seahawks are protecting their fansJust in time for the Super Bowl, the Seattle Seahawks are working to trademark the number "12" and "boom". After successfully registering "Legion of Boom", efforts to secure "12th man"and just the number "12" in jersey font have proven a bit more difficult because of marks already in use. The Seahawks aren't giving up, though. They're working to find as much specificity as possible to protect what's pushed them to their 2nd Super Bowl in 2 years. Good luck!Federal Agents Seize Super Bowl FakesWhile Seattle is trying to protect their brand, the NFL is working to do the same for theirs. Just this past weekend, near Phoenix, about $1million in knockoff NFL merchandise was seized by the feds. Merchandise included watches, other jewelry, and even flasks. Yikes."Faking It" exhibit continues at FITNew York's Fashion Institute of Technology recently launched an exhibit in their museum examining the history of copying, both authorized and unauthorized, as the $600billion counterfeit industry continues to threaten designers. Faking It: Originals, Copies and Counterfeits displays genuine and copied items from designers like Louis Vuitton and Coco Chanel--2 designers who have actually stood on opposite sides of the issue. Following Charles Fredrick Worth's debut of a label in his designs in 1903, brands like Louis Vuitton have worked tirelessly to protect themselves against fakes. Meanwhile Madam Chanel once said "One should not bother to protect that which dies the minute it is born". Is she right?

Afternoon Dress by Charles Fredrick Worth (1903)

Patrons of the exhibit get to check out bags, suits, dresses and more, all while comparing the real to the fake. A little fashion law history is laid out as well. The exhibit lasts until April 25th. Louis Vuitton and Google partner to fight fakesContinuing their quest to forever protect their well-known brand, LVMH is now working with Google to keep the conglomerate safe on the internet. After filing many lawsuits against Google for harboring ads and sales of infringing merchandise, the 2 major brands have signed a cooperation agreement, promising to end their legal dispute. The deal provides for each side to combine their resources to keep counterfeit LV items from being marketed and sold via the internet giant. Is this the start of stronger crackdowns? Let's keep watching.

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

NBA Fashion: The Year In Review-We love hoops, and are addicted to fashion. It wouldn't be a proper year-end without a post like this. Today, we're highlighitng...or maybe lowlighting, some of the most eye-catching NBA fashion looks of the year. Some were good looks, some risks, pretty much all of it was eye candy in one way or another.

Enjoy!---Andrew Wiggins came into the league making a splash. Some people weren't feeling this look, but it's really not too bad--it's draft night, right?! Come on, we've seen worse. This one gets a thumbs up.

Told you we've seen worse. There are other ways to have a holly, jolly Christmas.This isn't one of them...

Not a fan of the sleeved jersey, either. What do you guys think?!

Some players took the risky route...

No.But rightfully so, the Turner NBA Family took the fashion in risk, honoring sideline analyst, Craig Sager. Others kept it classic, but took it up a level. The extra effort is everything!!

He calls himself a cowboy, but this suit makes him quite the smooth gent.

Monday, December 29, 2014

Skin Deep Bodycare!This post is long beyond overdue, but we are so excited to bring this Spotlight your way. Skin Deep Bodycare is an amazing brand, created by an attorney making moves and changing lives all across the country. See, out of the box J.D.s do big things! Dominique is not only bringing us healthy, luxurious products, but refreshing feelings about ourselves and our skin when we use it.

Check her out in her own words...

1. How did you get started in fashion and beauty? What sparked your interest?

I got started in the beauty industry because of my own issues with my skin and beauty products. I had suffered for years with eczema and dry skin issues. I wasn't able to find any products that were both healthy and effective. Also a lot of the natural products and healthier for my skin were not feminine and luxurious. So I decided to create my own. In college I started playing around with formulas and making my own body creams. It wasn't until a few years later in law school that I actually started the company with the goal of helping other women who were looking for healthy affordable and chic body care options.

2. What do you just adore about the Chicago beauty market?

I love that the Chicago beauty market has awesome small and unique beauty businesses. Chicago is an awesome balance of luxe beauty and practical beauty. I also really like that smaller boutiques and even our larger retailers like Target are really beginning to take notice of the beauty trend and are offering more diverse beauty products.

3. What are some legal issues or challenges you have faced in the industry, if any?

We haven't faced any legal issues. (knock on wood). Because of my background in law, I was very diligent in researching proper licenses, regulations and requirements before I officially launched the company. But like any small business, finding affordable legal advise (outside of myself) can be a challenge.

4. How do you work to protect your brand? What sets your brand apart from the others?

I protect the brand by keeping our recipes and manufacturing techniques closely guarded. While I am transparent about our ingredients and the quality of our ingredients, I try to keep our exact formulas private. Also we make sure our products and company is trademarked. Also I believe, an important part of protecting the brand is consistent branding and messaging. Our customers know what the Skin Deep brand is, this is accomplished by being visually consistent and keeping our messaging consistent as well.What sets Skin Deep apart from other brands is that we are committed to providing Healthy and effective body products for women of color. We provide solutions for skin conditions and we do it with a bit of luxury and health, at an affordable price.

5. What would you consider your stamp on the Chicago beauty industry?

I would like to think that Skin Deep is helping to usher in the "Green" beauty movement in Chicago. Making healthy more mainstream and interesting.

6. What do you feel the Chicago fashion and beauty industry needs most? What do you plan to do to help achieve those needs?

The Chicago fashion and beauty industry definitely needs more diversity. We need brands that cater to the needs of all women and we need to see those women represented. Skin Deep helps achieve those needs by making products tailored to issues that women of color face with their skin as well as promoting diversity and inclusion within the beauty industry.

7. What's next for the Skin Deep Bodycare Brand?

The sky is the limit for Skin Deep; we are exciting about launching new Soy Candle/Massage Oil products coming soon. As well as continuing to create great new body and skin care products.

8. What are your favorite types of products to create? What is your favorite client segment?

Personally, I love making our Shea Body Souffles, which is a buttery soft moisturizer. As a person who suffers with dry skin, this is the product that most immediately speaks to my skin needs. I love all client segments, but it is especially awesome when women & men who have suffered with eczema symptoms for a long time tell me that our Souffles have helped alleviate their symptoms and their skin is so much better. That's really why I do this!

9. What might your clients not know about you?

Let's see. Most people are surprised to know that I have a law/legal background. Also, I am a food nut. I love good food especially when I can find/cook something that is healthy and savory, ahhh Heaven!

10. What should people know about the Skin Deep Bodycare brand?

Skin Deep Natural Bodycare is a brand that really is committed to health and well-being. Women should not have to sacrifice their health for beauty and with Skin Deep they don't. All of our products are handcrafted in small batches to ensure quality and freshness, so when you order Skin Deep you are getting fresh, customized products.

11. Why law and beauty?

I get that a lot. My concentration in law school was civil rights and human rights law. So my passion is service. To me, I feel my company is service. I am able to educate people about the importance of healthy ingredients in their body and skin care products. I am also able to provide those products at an affordable price and great quality. I am contributing to my customers overall health and well-being and that is the ultimate service. WE are so glad we got to Spotlight Dominique and her wonderful Skin Deep Bodycare Brand. Although the Cocoa Almond scrub is one of my favorites, I really love and encourage you all to check out the souffles and face washes. You can't go wrong with any of her items.Can't wait to see what she has coming next!